What Is The Best GPS Tracker For Car?

Written by: Marion Hanson, Last updated:31st January 2025

GPS tracker for car

There are multiple options for fitting your fleet vehicles with a GPS fleet tracking device. From professionally installed, tamper-proof devices to self-installed options.

But with so many options, how do you know what’s best for your fleet business?

Read our asset tracking small business guide to find out why asset tracking is essential for your fleet business.

What are the different car tracking options?

There are three main types of vehicle tracking devices including:

  • Professionally installed (hard-wired) car trackers.
  • Self-installed (plug-and-play)car trackers.
  • Mobile car tracking applications.

Each of these car-tracking devices has its benefits and challenges. But which is right for your fleet business? This depends on costs, what fleet data you wish to collect, and whether you want to track more than one vehicle.

 

Dealer installed GPS tracker for car

Professionally installed car tracking devices are hardwired into the cab of a vehicle, making them tamper-proof.

A hard-wired device also adds a layer of data security and reliability that the other devices do not provide.

Pros of professionally installed car tracking devices

Let’s dive into the pros of getting a car tracking device that needs to be professionally installed.

Security of professionally installed car tracker devices

These devices are hardwired into a fleet vehicle diagnostic system and securely fasted underneath the dashboard, making them the most secure, tamper-proof option.

The reliability of professionally installed car tracking devices

These car tracking devices have sensors that alert fleet management whenever a car tracking device is tampered with. This means that the ability to connect peripheral devices through wired connections results in a professionally installed car tracker device being the most reliable choice.

More data for fleet management

Beyond these engine diagnostics, hardwired tracking systems can collect far more data than other tracking devices. This is done through sensors and other in-vehicle devices that allow fleet managers to monitor fleet performance and driver behaviour more closely.

Professionally installed car tracker challenges

Whereas, like most technology, there are some factors to take into account…

Professionally installed car tracker costs

Professional installations are often more expensive than other options. This is due to the additional costs of hardware installation, labour, and convenience. They also require planning to limit vehicle downtime.

Hard to move installed car trackers

Another point worth making is that you should wait to install these car trackers if you plan to decommission a vehicle or switch the vehicle tracking device to another, as this requires planning and can take longer.

What fleet businesses should have professionally installed car trackers?

Fleet businesses that value fleet safety and security will likely choose hardwired, professionally installed car tracking devices.

An example is when the business uses customer data for invoicing or other critical business workflows. Another example includes implementing and managing driver safety incentive programs.

Our recent fleet crime survey discovered why safety is vital for fleet vehicles. Read more about it here.

 

Self-install vehicle tracking devices

These car tracking systems can be easily installed without a professional car tracker installation engineer.

They have become increasingly popular due to quicker installation times and more effortless movement between fleet vehicles.

Pros of self-installed car tracking devices

Here is why a self-installed vehicle tracking device may be appropriate for your business.

Car tracking self-installed device ease of use

These devices do not need professional engineers to perform any car tracker hardwire connection; instead, you can simply plug this car tracking device into your fleet car’s OBD-II diagnostic port.

Self-install car tracker portability

Moving these car tracking devices from one fleet vehicle to another is easier. This is ideal for fleets with high turnover volumes or short-term seasonal fleets.

But if you are moving this car tracker to another fleet, you will still have to notify your provider so that they can update the vehicle assignment.

The cost of self-installed car trackers

These plug-and-play car trackers do not have to be professionally installed, so the implementation costs of technology and vehicle downtime will be lower.

The challenges of self-install car tracking devices

Like professionally installed car tracking, self-install tracking has different challenges.

Security and self-installed vehicle tracking

Because these car trackers are easy to install and remove, they are also easy to steal. They are not securely hardwired to the vehicle, which makes fleet theft more likely.

Limited fleet data from the vehicle tracker

Plug-and-play devices only typically record vehicle engine data, including mileage and ignition status. Other sensors, such as seatbelt monitoring, are either unavailable or not very reliable in self-install trackers.

What fleet businesses should have self-install car trackers?

Fleet businesses with high turnover or those that use seasonal or rental vehicles typically choose self-install vehicle tracking devices because they are flexible.

Fleet Card Services provides professionally installed and self-install car trackers. Check them out today.

 

Mobile application fleet car trackers

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is becoming more popular due to its flexibility and features, which are unavailable in other vehicle tracking devices.

Choosing a mobile tracking application depends on the type of data you wish to collect.

Find out more about our apps for fleets.

Mobile car tracker pros

Here are some advantages of using a mobile car tracker.

Car tracker app mobility

Using a mobile car tracker allows you to work from anywhere. With business workflows and tracking information in a single application, fleet managers can monitor far more than fleet vehicle data.

Car tracker app cost

As you use your device, fleet businesses can save the costs of hardware and professional installation.

Car tracker app usability

As your employees are likely already familiar with how their mobile device works, learning curves and barriers to entry will be reduced.

Car tracking away from your vehicle

When the system is not tied to your vehicle but instead to your fleet drivers, it can also be used to track employee locations. This is particularly important for lone workers working in remote locations.

Mobile car tracker challenges

Here are some challenges fleet businesses need to consider if they decide upon mobile car trackers.

Mobile car tracker security and accountability

Mobile devices can be easily lost, stolen or damaged. They can also be turned off if the fleet driver no longer wants to be tracked.

Data limitation for car trackers

Although mobile devices are ideal for collecting employee data, including location and timecard information, they may struggle with vehicle diagnostics, such as fuel use and miles driven.

Mobile devices aren’t designed to be car trackers

As mobile devices weren’t designed for car tracking, they may face issues with battery life and drain while the app runs.

What fleet businesses should have mobile vehicle trackers?

Mobile trackers appeal to fleet businesses that need better communication by tracking employee locations and fleet vehicle information.

Need help choosing what GPS tracker for your car is best for your fleet business?

Fuel Card Services offers a wide range of fleet vehicle trackers, including professionally installed and self-installed. Contact our friendly team today for further questions and advice about which option would be best for your fleet business.

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